Men’s soccer plays to draw ahead of Creighton showdown

The UNO men’s soccer team opened up their Summit league conference play with a draw in Charleston, Illinois against the Eastern Illinois Panthers.

During the 11 A.M. game on Saturday, September 23, the Mavericks’ defense seemed flawless. Omaha held EIU to zero shots in the first half, but were only allowed two of their own. Each team received a yellow card during a very back and forth first half and headed to the locker rooms with the score still 0-0.

After two early yellow cards for the EIU Panthers in the second half, both teams’ offenses started to come alive. The second half was very competitive, but neither team could manage to get the ball in the back of the net. Omaha finished the second half with a 5-4 shot advantage, but the first 90 minutes expired with the score tied 0-0, and both teams prepared for extra time.

Eastern Illinois recorded the only shot in the first 10 minute overtime but couldn’t score a goal against the Maverick defense. The score remained 0-0 after a suspenseful first overtime. EIU and UNO then went on to play a second, and final, 10 minute overtime looking for a golden goal and a conference-opener victory.

The intense final ten minutes of the match was a back and forth defensive show. Neither team could find any life on offense and didn’t get a single shot off. The match came to a frustrating end with the score tied at 0-0. The Mavs finished the competition with a 5-3 shot advantage and UNO goalkeeper Joseph Ghitis recorded three saves. Both teams now have a 0-0-1 record in Summit league conference play.

UNO comes back home to prepare for what should be a very exciting matchup with crosstown rival Creighton University. The highly-anticipated match will take place on Tuesday, September 26, at 7 P.M. at Caniglia Field.